Salinas, Ener

Abstract [en]

In this paper, an ultra-fast single-sided Thomson based actuator is studied. The actuator is comprised of a flat spiral-shaped coil with a conductive armature in its proximity. This armature is mechanically loaded with a uniform mass distribution over its cross section. The energizing source consists of a capacitor bank that is discharged through the actuator coil resulting in a high magnetic pressure within fractions of a millisecond. The coil is dimensioned to withstand the temperature rise.

An experimentally validated multi-physical finite element model is used to perform simulations by varying the mechanical load to explore the performance of the actuator topology. The obtained currents, induced forces, stresses, and accelerations of the armature are then analyzed in an attempt to develop scaling techniques that can predict for example velocity and efficiency. Finally, the results of the scaling techniques are presented and compared to each other.